Home of the nationally known Anchor Festival held annually the weekend after Memorial Day   Growing population 1994 - 3,550; 2000 - 3,774   Nine County labor market area drawing from a civilian labor force of 173,058   17 churches welcoming many faiths   Home of the oldest public flower garden in Boone County-Chance Gardens with an adjoining rose garden containing 450 varieties of roses   Centralia RVI School District was the first district in the state of Missouri to be accredited with Distinction in Performance in 1997 by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and has continued to receive that recognition.  An exemplary education program is coupled with excellent cocurricular programs  in Agriculture Education, Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, Art, Student Leadership and Athletics  Opening this fall the technology enhanced Centralia Intermediate School   Low Teacher/Student radio 1:18; Technology enhanced education with ratio of computers to students 1:3   Sixty acres of public parks which include a public swimming pool, six baseball diamonds, tennis courts, modern basketball courts, picnic facilities with new shelters, skate park, and state of the art playground equipment.  Now open the Centralia Recreation Center at Bicentennial Park   Rich Civil War history with reenactments sanctioned by the Missouri Civil War Reenactors Association.   Visit the mural in beautiful downtown Centralia depicting many aspects of the "Prairie Queens" proud history   Certified Tree  City USA   Close to recreation lakes, including Tri City Lake just 5 miles west of town.  Mark Twain Lake 30 minutes north and Lake of the  Ozarks 90 miles south   Boone County boasts the largest per capita health care system with a ratio of hospital and doctors to population unsurpassed anywhere in the United States.  The community is serviced by 2 medical clinics.   Shopping in Centralia offers a unique experience from antiques to quality apparel, home appliances, gifts, electronics. etc.   Additional shopping, dining, and entertainment are less than 30 minutes away   Centralia is home of the largest manufacturer in Boone County the A.B. Chance Company, a subsidiary of Hubbell Power Systems   Quality of life unmatched by any community anywhere